Beechworth, VICTORIA
Airing Date: Apr 14th, 2007
Beechworth is located in the grazing land of the foothills of the
Australian Alps in
North Eastern Victoria. It is a 3 to 3.5 hour drive from Melbourne, 4.5 hours south of Canberra and 7 hours from Sydney.
Beechworth is regarded as Victoria's best preserved historic gold mining town, containing a rich legacy from our last two centuries. It has 32 beautifully restored buildings listed by the National Trust including the
Powder Magazine, the
Beechworth Cemetery and
The Beechworth Court House, where the infamous Ned Kelly stood trial. Beechworth and its neighbouring towns are rich in history and Australian culture. The region also produces some of Australia's best food and wine, and many festivals and special celebrations are held throughout the year.
Freeman on Ford Bed & Breakfast is a former Victorian Oriental Bank and Convent, built in 1876. The B&B is centrally located in the heart of Beechworth. This grand two storey building has an impressive spiral staircase, fireplaces in each of the upstairs rooms, ensuite facilities, 15ft high ceilings and craftsmanship that is no longer found in modern buildings.
There are five themed bedrooms; the Bronze, the Gold, the Lemon, the Blue and the Maid's Room, five bathrooms and a huge secure private yard. The rooms have been outfitted with French antique beds and the best quality fittings.
Make sure you drop in and visit George Poulter at
The Saddler. The shop is located two doors down from the B&B. George is one of the few who actually hand stitches saddles in his workshop. He also made the saddles for the Australian equestrian team in the 2000 Olympics.
Beechworth Sweet Company is a traditional old fashioned sweet shop in town. The owner Judy Borchmann has won numerous awards for the best dressed window in town. At the moment she has an animal theme in the window front.
To really investigate the town, go on a
Beechworth Harley Tour. The Harley has a 2 place side car and takes a total of three passengers (one on the pillion seat). Rob will take people wherever they want to go.
He can do a quick ride around the town or take people on longer half or full day tours to take in the local wineries, for a tour through the national park or simply an extended tour to answer people's questions about the history of the town itself. People can hear all about the gold rush. The tours operate on weekends and during the holidays.
Further Information:
Ned Kelly Weekend - 4 - 5 August, 2007. For further information contact
Indigo Shire Council on
(03) 5728 8000 or visit their website.
Beechworth Harley Tours - From $ 5 Town tour, $ 10 Scenic tour , $ 60 Tour of Wineries (1 Hour). Call
0427 844 639Freeman on Ford Bed & Breakfast - 1 night stay from $165 single, $195 double. Includes breakfast. Midweek bookings only. Call them on (03) 5728 2371. Prices correct at 14/4/07. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
